Vietnam Holidays

This six-day, five-night introductory cruise on the famous Mekong River aboard the intimate Toum Tiou 1 from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh and return has just gone on sale, slashing 25 per cent off regular prices.

Prices are available for sailings from Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh from March 30 to April 4, 2018 or from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City from April 4 to 10, 2018. Price includes: Full board and accommodation, coffee, tea & drinking water. A French or English speaking guide. Visits mentioned in the program and entrance fees. Transport from departure port to arrival port. Port Fees and Wifi.

PRICES – PER PERSON IN USD

Upper cabin double or twin USD $1,676 Main cabin USD $1,614

Upper cabin single USD $1,391 Main cabin single USD $1,340

The TT1 has 10 cabins housing a maximum of 20 passengers.

The Phnom Penh journey includes a visit to Koh Chen, small village specializing in silver and copper smithing. They make ornamental items used in traditional ceremonies. The distant hills of Cambodia's old capital, Oudong, and its royal stupas can be seen a few kilometers away from the dock.

Back to Phnom Penh on day 2 to clear Customs. Passengers are free to explore the city. A little further on, TT1 arrives at the Immigration check point in Kaam Samnaar, then on day 3 onto Chau Doc which spans both banks of the Mekong. Visit some fish farms which have sprung up everywhere.

On day 4 take a short walking tour taking in some of the town's highlights then onto the markets along the river bank.

Local boats come alongside TT1 to pick up passengers and transfer to the mainland. Departure for Vinh Trang Pagoda by car, with a short panoramic tour of My Tho town on the way. Thoi Son Island by local boat is next then navigate the canal of Cho Gao and a farewell dinner. Day 6 arrive Ho Chi Minh city port 11 am – Customs formalities clearance. The TT1 calls at the same ports with similar activities on the reverse journey.

CF Mekong River Cruises' fleet is currently five ships. The colonial vessels weave into the local tapestry delicately, with the environment. They are comfortable, cosy and affordably luxurious. This is mirrored by the price. CFM offers more than a typical river cruise it includes exploring rustic villages, hidden cultures and joining in with the local customs.

CF Mekong River Cruises' ships are small enough to navigate otherwise inaccessible parts of the Mekong such as the magnificent Gao canal, an exotic gateway to the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. There are no extended bus rides to traverse long stretches of the river inaccessible to bigger ships. Because of the smaller draughts, CF Mekong River Cruises is the only cruise line that offers true point-to-point cruising along the entire length of the lower Mekong and it never cancels scheduled cruises.

CF Mekong River Cruises is a wholly owned subsidiary of French company, Croisi Europe, one of Europe's oldest and most successful river cruise operations. The fleet was purchased by the company in 2014.